The NFL offseason hasn’t even hit full stride yet, and already the rumor mill is heating up-especially when it comes to Maxx Crosby. The Las Vegas Raiders’ star defensive end could be on the move, and if any of these blockbuster trade proposals materialize, it would send shockwaves through the league.
Let’s rewind for a second. Things between Crosby and the Raiders got rocky late in the 2025 season.
After battling through a knee injury, the team placed the five-time Pro Bowler on injured reserve, effectively ending his season. Officially, the move was made “with Crosby’s best interest in mind,” but reports suggest the edge rusher didn’t see it that way.
According to insider Jay Glazer, Crosby actually walked out on the team after being informed of the decision. That’s not a small detail-it speaks volumes about the tension that may be brewing behind the scenes.
Since then, the hypothetical trade proposals have been flying. One scenario had Crosby landing in Chicago, with the Bears sending DJ Moore, a 2026 first- and fifth-round pick, and a 2027 second-rounder back to Vegas. Another floated the idea of Crosby suiting up for the Ravens, with Baltimore parting ways with Rashod Bateman, a 2026 first-rounder, and a 2027 first-rounder in return.
Now, a third team has entered the conversation: the Washington Commanders.
Washington is staring down a pivotal offseason. After a promising rookie campaign from quarterback Jayden Daniels, the team regressed in year two.
The front office responded by moving on from both offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt. It’s clear the Commanders aren’t content with standing still-they’re looking to reshape their identity and make a push back into playoff contention.
And that’s where Crosby comes in.
NFL analyst Alex Ballentine has floated a trade proposal that would send Crosby to the Commanders. The logic?
Washington has the cap space-around $89.8 million-and a top-10 draft pick to dangle in front of the Raiders. They also have a new head coach in Dan Quinn, who’s made a career out of building aggressive, physical defenses.
Adding a player like Crosby would give Quinn a true game-wrecker off the edge, the kind of presence that can change the complexion of a defense overnight.
Here’s the mock trade Ballentine proposes:
Raiders Receive:
- 2026 first-round pick (No. 7 overall)
- 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 145 overall)
- 2027 first-round pick
That’s a hefty haul, no doubt. But Crosby isn’t just any pass rusher-he’s a tone-setter, a relentless motor who can anchor a defensive front and elevate everyone around him. For a team like Washington, who believes they’re close to turning the corner, that kind of player is worth the investment.
From Vegas’ perspective, it’s a chance to retool. With multiple high-value picks in hand, they’d have the flexibility to build around a young quarterback-possibly Fernando Mendoza-and add pieces to support him on both sides of the ball.
The question, as always, is timing. Crosby turns 28 this year, which means his prime window starts now.
If a team believes it’s ready to contend in 2026, this is the kind of move that can put them over the top. If not, the price might be too steep.
But for Washington, with money to spend, draft capital to offer, and a defense in need of a cornerstone, this trade makes a lot of sense. Whether it actually happens remains to be seen-but if it does, don’t be surprised if it ends up being one of the defining moves of the 2026 offseason.